October 2005
The Centre City Community Plan of 1992 was designed to substantially increase the number of people living San Diego’s downtown area and provide a range of housing to meet the needs of an economically and socially balanced population.
Although the revitalization of San Diego’s downtown has resulted in a dramatic increase of housing available downtown, the Priced Out report shows that fewer and fewer households can afford the high prices of either for-sale housing or rental units. This report analyzes the types of housing created and the role that the growth of low-wage employment in downtown plays in the need for more affordable housing.
Some findings include:
- Housing costs have increased dramatically in the downtown area. The median for-sale price has increased 211% since 1991.
- Housing is more expensive downtown than the region. Average rents in the Centre City Area are significantly higher – 19% to 39% – than the average rents in the country.
- Of the 2,300 affordable housing units created since 1975, only 17% are designed for families of two or more. Zero bedroom units comprise of 87% of all affordable housing created.
